Wine column: How to spend 24 hours in Paso Robles
– If you only have 24 hours in Paso, visit a couple of wineries and enjoy a nice dinner! That’s exactly what we did on our quick getaway from the San Fernando Valley!
Clos Solène
Clos Solène was the first wine tasting of our day. Our host, Hannah, was as cheerful and bright as this beautiful, clear, sunny winter day-and so knowledgeable about wine.
Sitting on the patio, with sleeping vineyards spread before us, she sipped us through the current releases, including Clos Solene’s elegant “white” Rosé, perfect for a late-morning sip (which my wife said reminded her of her rose garden in full bloom).
Following La Rosé, Hannah poured several other wines, all different and elegant blends. My favorite (obvious for anyone who knows me) was the Hommage a Nos Pairs, syrah-dominant, with a touch of grenache and viognier. However, picking a favorite from Guillaume’s wines is like picking a favorite child-they all have special characteristics-what’s not to love!
After our tasting, I took a quick tour of the caves, which are currently in the final stages of construction. The caves, with their various offshoots, will make an impressive addition. Guillaume mentioned that it has been exactly one year since production began, and construction has been progressing smoothly. I look forward to seeing the finished project!
Check the website for information about the caves, tastings, and events. And, if you have never visited Clos Solene, add it to your bucket list. Beautiful wines, beautiful location, and mostly, a beautiful family and staff.
Clos Solène
2040 Niderer Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 239-7769
www.clossolene.com.
Dracaena Wines
Dracaena Wines, with a tasting room in downtown Paso Robles, was our afternoon stop. Dracaena has been making wine for over ten years, consistently earning medals from both the San Francisco Chronicle and Orange County Wine Competitions. Their comfortable tasting room has been open for about two years, offering a variety of liquid choices. Come in, relax, and explore.
First, there is a story behind the name Dracaena, but you’ll have to hear it from the winemaker owners, Lori and Michael Budd. You will always find Lori and/or Mike there, as they are the face of the winery, so come in, sit, and sip with them.
Dracaena offers a selection of whites, but their passion and focus are on cabernet franc, both as single varietals and blends. During your tasting, you might even be poured a library selection or two—what a treat!
Dracaena has something for everyone. If you (or someone in your party) prefers a cocktail, no problem. Dracaena offers a variety of specialty handcrafted craft cocktails. Is your 16-year-old coming with you? Come on in, and they can order a crafted mocktail. You can even bring your dog (they have dog treats) or a young child (they have child-entertaining toys). Relax, and enjoy whatever you like. There is something for everyone here.
As Lori will tell you, Dracaena is “Our story, our life, our love.” Come experience their wines, their story, and their love. What a delightful addition to Downtown Paso Robles’ wine scene! Check the website for days and hours, then plan a visit to experience:
“Our wine + Your Moments = Great Memories”
Dracaena Wines
1244 Pine Street
Paso Robles, Ca 93446
(805) 270-3327
www.dracaenawines.com.
Buona Tavola
Buona Tavola has been a favorite “go-to” restaurant of ours for years and was the perfect way to “wine” down our day. Food and hospitality never disappoint, and tonight was no exception.
Since it was just my wife and me, we kept the dinner light, sharing their special seasonal salad, followed by a delicious pappardelle pasta with plenty of jumbo shrimp and prosciutto, served in a delicate pink sauce, and ending the meal with their three-scoop house-made gelato (chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut) with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. Wonderfully decadent and enjoyable. Then, off to bed before the morning drive home.
Buona Tavola
943 Spring Street
Paso Robles, Ca 93446
(805) 237-0600
www.buonatavolapaso.com.
Even a quick trip to Paso melts away stress and relaxes you, letting you sink into a special place, having left the outside world behind, even if only for a while.
Cheers and bon appétit!
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s unique lifestyle culture of wine, food, adventure, and special places to visit, from Ventura County north to Napa Valley and beyond. He may be reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com.
